Exploiting Ethnic Conflicts in Attempt to Consolidate Military Control was also said to be eroding other ethnic groups’ cultures, values, and identities. Pro-military Telegram channels praised the military for governing all ethnic groups without any discrimination and pointed out that areas not under the control of the military were more prone to ethnic conflicts due to the existence of armed groups. However, military supporters ignored the fact that for decades, the military has denied ethnic groups’ right to selfdetermination and forbidden them from managing their own affairs and shaping their own destiny, in order to preserve their power and balance. 13